MONA rehangs Picasso artworks in toilet after ‘Ladies Lounge’ discrimination complaint

A Tasmanian museum has found a new spot to hang its Pablo Picasso artworks after a discrimination complaint.

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart was found to have discriminated against a man who was refused entry to its women-only ‘Ladies Lounge’ in April 2023, despite paying the museum entry fee.

The man lodged a complaint with the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT), who upheld the complaint and directed MONA to stop denying entry to individuals who do not identify as women.

‘Ladies Lounge’ creator and MONA curator Kirsha Kaechele said she would explore the possibility of using a loophole to comply with the ruling by converting the lounge into a toilet while keeping it operational.

She is also appealing the decision to Tasmania’s Supreme Court, arguing that: “TASCAT took too narrow a view in terms of women’s historical and ongoing societal disadvantage and did not recognise how the experience of the Ladies Lounge can promote equal opportunity”.

On Monday, Kaechele announced a “new exhibition” at MONA on Instagram, saying it is “just for ladies”.

“We never had female toilets at MONA before, they were all unisex,” she said.

“But then the Ladies Lounge had to close thanks to a lawsuit brought on by a man. And I just didn’t know what to do with all those Picassos.”

Kaechele said MONA would “get the lounge open again” by using section 26 of the state’s Anti-Discrimination Act, which sets out circumstances when someone may discriminate against another person.

She used examples such as turning the lounge into a church, school or boutique glamping accomodation.

“But in the meantime, enjoy! (ladies),” she said.